Reviews > Navigation and Map Gear > GPS > Magellan SporTrak Topo 2003 > Andy Mytys > Initial Report

Magellan SporTrak Topo GPS

Initial Report

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Thales Navigation Item: Magellan SporTrak Topo GPS (http://www.magellangps.com) Product Number (website): 980616-39 Product Number (physical unit): 800480-10 Year of Manufacture: 2004 MSRP: $399.99 Listed Weight: 6.1 oz (173 g) Weight as Delivered: 6.3 oz (179 g), including:   . SporTrak Topo GPS, 4.5 oz (128 g)   . 2 AA Energizer Batteries, 1.7 oz (48 g)   . Wrist Strap, 0.1 oz (3 g) Size: 5.6 x 2.2 x 1.15 in (14.2 x 5.6 x 2.9 cm) [h] x [w] x [d] Display: 2.2 x 1.33 in (5.59 x 3.88 cm) [h] x [w] Display Resolution: 160 x 104 pixels Power Source: 2 AA Batteries (included) Availability: North America Warranty: One year from original purchase date, extended to original purchaser only. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for 90 days from the date of return shipment, or for the balance of the original warranty, whichever is longer. Warranty Extension: Within 90 days of purchase, customers can extend the base warranty to three years for a cost of $39.95.

Product Description:

A handheld, 12 channel WAAS/EGNOS enabled recreational GPS unit that provides location accuracy to within three meters (10 ft). The SporTrak comes pre-installed with a complete set of topographical data for the United States, including the lower 48 states, Hawaii, and 80% of Alaska. This data includes details such as topographic contouring and elevation, highways, major roads, waterways, and coastlines. There are eight customizable navigation screens that can be used to represent output in a variety of ways, allowing the SporTrak to meet the demands of many different applications. The SporTrak also comes with MapSend Topo software, giving PC users the ability to exchange track and waypoint data between their computer (Win95, 98, XP, NT only) and the GPS via a serial-based interface cable (also included). Additionally, the MapSend software contains a greater level of map detail for the United States. The SporTrak accepts up to 20 MB of regional data for upload, providing the consumer an even finer level of navigational feedback.

Test Unit Description:

The SporTrak comes packaged in a cardboard box measuring 8.6 x 3.8 x 2.8 inches (21.9 x 9.5 x 7 cm) [h] x [w] x [d]. The front of the box is split, with a clear window showing the actual GPS unit held inside. The front of the box lists a few of the GPS features, with additional features and a few screen-shots on the back of the box. The right side of the box lists its contents, along with photos showing some of the accessories that customers can purchase for their SporTrak Topo. U.S. corporate contact and copyright information are listed on the bottom of the box.

The actual GPS is protected inside the box by a plastic case, which also holds the wrist strap, a pair of AA Energizer batteries, and a PC serial interface cable packaged in bubble-wrap. The screen of the GPS comes with a protective membrane over it, which should be removed prior to use due to the contour lines and other simulated map details printed on it.

The box also contains a document folder, which doubles as a "Read Me First" quick start-up guide in French. This folder contains the English version of the quick start-up guide, a packing list, two user manuals (one in English, the other in French), a SporTrak Topo user manual supplement (English), instructions for how to register the product on the web, a pamphlet listing available product accessories, and a product accessory compatibility chart. On the outside of the folder, there is a card detailing the Magellan extended warranty and program registration instructions. It should be noted that the user manuals that came with my SporTrak Topo are for an older, "SporTrak Map" model of GPS.

Lastly, the box contains a CD of Magellan's MapSend Topo software (U.S. Edition). The software is compatible with computers running Win95, 98, XP, or NT based operating systems. There are no MacIntosh or Linux versions available at this time.

Getting Started With the SporTrak GPS (well, not really):

The "Read Me First" quick start-up guide states that "getting started with your SporTrak GPS receiver is as simple as 1... 2... 3...," then quickly adds "OK, there are six steps, but it's still easy." To get started with the SporTrak GPS,

1. "Make sure that you have all the items listed on your packing slip."
   
   
2. "Install two AA batteries into your SporTrak GLS receiver as shown." To install the batteries, I loosened the retaining screw on the bottom of the GPS unit and pulled the battery housing out. The screw has a small metal D-ring integrated into it, and I turned this with my fingers to loosen it. Alternatively, I could have loosened the screw by using a flat-edged screwdriver against the notch in the screw itself. Once opened, I noticed a rubber gasket fitted around the edge of the battery holder - this gasket allows for a protective waterproof seal to exist. On the inside of the battery compartment, I saw a sticker containing the GPS product number and serial number. The battery case is split into two sections, each of which holds a AA battery. In each battery slot is a sticker graphically indicating what direction the AA battery needs to be installed. I did not notice any sort of additional indicator molded into the plastic casing itself, which would serve as a backup indicator in case the stickers wore off. Before I could install the batteries, I had to remove a magnetic retail security device that shipped inside the tray. Once the batteries were in place, I pushed the housing back into the GPS and tightened the retaining screw. I found that I had to apply inward pressure against the battery case in order to catch the screw in its accompanying threads found on the inside of the GPS itself. Once tightened, I attached the wrist strap onto the retaining screw's D-ring.
   
   
3. "Turn on your SporTrak. You will need to prepare the receiver for first time use. (This is referred to as 'Initializing'. This step is optional, but will speed up the time needed to compute your position for the first time.)" When the GPS is turned on, the first screen that always greets the user is the "Welcome" screen, which identifies the GPS model software version, copyright, and company web address. This screen remains displayed until either a seven second delay has expired, or the user has pressed the ENTER key on the GPS. There is an audible "beep" that sounds after any button is pushed. If any ancillary map detail has been uploaded to the GPS using the MapSend program, the next screen will display a database copyright notice. As with the welcome screen, the display will advance either after a delay of seven seconds, or when the user has pressed the ENTER key. If the GPS needs to be initialized, the next display will be that of "Language" - available choices are English, French, German, Dutch, Finnish, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, or Swedish. The next display in the sequence is the disclaimer screen - "All data provided for reference only. You assume full responsibility and risk when using this device." If the ENTER key is not pressed within 15 seconds, the GPS automatically turns off.
   
   When the GPS is turned on for the first time, or when the memory has been cleared, there are a number of screens that have to be navigated through in order to initialize the GPS. Once this process has been completed once, these screens stop appearing until the user clears all of the GPS's memory. In terms of GPS initialization, the screens are as follows:
   
   
   • The "Key Legend" screen - Displays an image of the physical keys and their layout on the GPS. Each button has a graphic on it depicting its particular function - Out (-), In (+), NAV (world), Enter (wrapped arrow), Menu (book), Goto (walking figure), Escape (x), and Power/Light (red button with a light bulb icon). This screen should probably be sequenced before the disclaimer screen, as it is the first time that the user is shown which key is the ENTER key, which needs to be pressed before the disclaimer screen can be bypassed.
   • The initialization process' "Attention" screen, which reads, "Unit is not initialized, press enter to initialize."
   • The "Region" screen, which allows the user to select what geographical region they are in (Enter Coord, USA, Americas, Europe, Asia East, Asia West, Australia, Africa, Pacific, Atlantic).
   • The "Area" screen, which, depending on the regional selection, queries the user for specific state or country information. In terms of the countries covered, every corner of the world that CNN and National Geographic has travelled to is in there.
   • The "Time" screen is next. While the GPS will reset the current time and date after it acquires a satellite signal, supplying this data will give the SporTrak an approximation of what satellites should be in orbit above it, resulting in a faster signal acquisition time.
   
   
4. "After you have completed the initialization, view the Satellite Status screen and verify that the SporTrak has begun to receive information from the satellites. (Indicated by the bars in the bar graph getting higher and changing to black.) If not, go outside or to a place with an unobstructed view of the sky." I have found that the SporTrak's quadrifilar helix antenna will capture signals inside a typical U.S. wood-framed home, provided that it is used on the level just below the attic. I am eager to test beneath a thick forest canopy.
   
   
5. "Review the information in the manual regarding the navigation screens, saving a waypoint, and creating a GOTO route. With that knowledge, you will be able to use your SporTrak in its basic form." This step basically suggests that the user review and understand the contents on nine pages of the user manual, which cover the four basic concepts that will be used across most applications - getting a position fix, accessing the navigation screens, saving a waypoint, and navigating to a saved point. It appears that the "Getting Started" process is hardly "as simple as "1... 2... 3...," or even six steps for that matter. In fact, the user manual quickly instructs readers to "Read the user guide carefully before using the product."
   
   
6. "That's all there is to it. You are now ready to use the SporTrak as your personal navigator. For more detail and additional functions, you can access the Reference Section of the User Manual."

On to the User Manual:

As mentioned above, the user manuals that came with my SporTrak Topo are for an older, "SporTrak Map" model of GPS. I found the manual to be at least 95% accurate in terms of its application to the SporTrak Topo, with deviations being limited to such minor details as available memory, configuration screen options, and a few of the SporTrak's default settings. There are also a few navigation screens that aren't covered in the user manual, but their content is duplicated on other screens, and items unique to the screens are intuitive in nature (e.g. the speedometer and odometer on the Speed navigation screen).

The user manual is divided into six chapters - Introduction, Setting Up the SporTrak, Basic Operation, Reference Guide, Frequently Asked Questions, and Appendix. In addition to usage instructions, the manual contains information pertaining to product warnings, warranty information, product specifications, troubleshooting tips, company contact information, available accessories, and a much-needed glossary of terms.

The user manual is very well organized in terms of the information it attempts to convey - it is thorough, concise, and generally simple in its presentation of concepts. At first glance, getting through the manual seemed as if it were a task I could complete in a short span of time. However, I found that simple presentation does not necessarily equate to a quick understanding - to really gain any sort of proficiency with respect to the many features of the Magellan SporTrak Topo, I really needed to take the GPS out into the field for some "applied learning."

You've Got the Whole World in Your Hands:

The SporTrak Topo is comfortable to hold in the hand - not too heavy and well balanced. The shell of the GPS, on its lower half along the bottom and sides, has a rubberized coating on it. This rubberized skin has ridges along it, which create a textured grip in the areas where the fingers naturally fall. This design also helps keep the GPS from sliding off surfaces that it is set down on, such as the dashboard of a car. The SporTrak also comes with a wrist strap that can be attached to it. I've found this strap to be close fitting, to the point of my having to remove a lightweight pair of gloves in order to slip my hand through its loop.

The SporTrak's LCD display is vibrant, and the ability to control contrast and activate multi-levels of backlighting allow for the data displayed to be clear throughout varied degrees of lighting.

The SporTrak also has an array of control buttons that are found just underneath its display. I've found the keypad to be very easy to master, even though I may not yet know how to proceed on all the screens that they access. For many functions, holding down a given button will repeat its function, allowing users to scroll through a given set of options quickly.

The buttons on the face of the SporTrak are as follows:

Out - Zooms out the display on the Map Screen. In - Zooms in the display on the Map screen. Nav - Steps through the various navigation screens. Arrow Button - A round button that is sensitive to pressure applied against    its four regions (up/down/left/right),in addition to around    its perimeter, allowing for diagonal movement where appropriate.    This button is used to move between fields within screens, increment    values, and scroll through information displayed on the Map screen. Enter - Confirms data entry and menu sections. Esc - Cancels the operation of the last button pressed, and also steps through    the navigation screens in reverse order from that of the NAV button. Menu - Accesses menus for displayed screens. Also provides access to waypoint,    route, and setup functions. Goto - Used to create a direct route to any waypoint stored in memory. Power - Turns the SporTrak on and off. Also used to turn the display backlight    on and off.

Let's Power This Baby Up!:

Assuming that the GPS has been successfully initialized, there are still a series of screens that greet the user each time the GPS is powered up. The ENTER key can be pressed to bypass them, but because they are shown each and every time the SporTrak is turned on, they become annoying rather quickly. The first screen that is displayed upon turning the SporTrak on is the "Welcome" screen, which identifies the GPS model software version, copyright, and company web address. Assuming that additional map data has been uploaded to the GPS unit, the next screen is the database copyright notice screen. The final screen to appear is the disclaimer screen, which reads, "all data provided for reference only. You assume full responsibility and risk when using this device." If the enter key is not pressed before 15 seconds have passed, the GPS automatically shuts down.

Once these "three-stooges" have been slapped aside, a navigation screen will be displayed. The screen shown is the same as that which was active prior to the SporTrak being powered off. The GPS also begins the process of searching for satellite signals. It needs to capture three signals in order to be able to compute the user's location. The SporTrak refers to this as "2D" Position Mode. If four or more satellite signals are acquired, then the SporTrak reports in "3D" mode, meaning that in addition to location it also computes and displays elevation values. Magellan reports that the accuracy of the SporTrak when three or more satellites are being tracked is within seven meters (23 ft). In addition, the SporTrak is capable of interpreting signals from WAAS satellites, whose purpose is to transmit error correction data. When the GPS is receiving transmissions from a WAAS satellite, accuracy can be down to within a three-meter (10 ft) threshold. In terms of satellite acquisition times, Magellan states that the first satellite takes the longest, and after its signal has been captured, finding the remaining satellites and computing a fix may only take a few seconds.

There are eight different navigation screens that are available on the SporTrak GPS. With the exception of the Map screen, any screen can be disabled - if there are one or more screens that don't get much use, users can prevent the screens from displaying altogether.

Satellite Screen: This screen graphically displays which satellites are in view, their location relative to the user's position, and which satellites are being used to compute the current position. The relative strength of each signal being received from any given satellite is also displayed. There is also a graphic on this screen which gives the user an idea of how much power is left in the installed batteries.

Map Screen: This screen displays the user's current position and the direction in which they're heading. Topographic, street, and other information is also represented on the screen. In essence, a little map is shown. Using the arrow button, the map can be scrolled around in the window, giving the user an idea of what lies ahead. The cursor can be moved to any position within the covered area (48 states, + Hawaii and 80% of Alaska) for closer inspection, and a waypoint can also be created if desired. The map can be viewed in a variety of scales, showing anywhere from approximately 400 feet to 6500 miles of data across the screen (125 m to 10,500 km). There are also two customizable data fields on this screen.

Compass Screen: This screen displays a compass and shows the direction in which the user is heading. There are also icons that display the position that the sun and moon are in, relative to the user. If a destination point has been identified, its location relative to the user will also be displayed. There are four customizable data fields on this screen.

Large Data Screen: This screen simply displays the contents of four customizable data fields. Without any other information, more screen space and larger fonts can be used in displaying data than on other user screens.

Position Screen: The position screen shows the current position using the whatever geeky coordinate notation the user has configured the GPS to calculate in (e.g. 42° 26.876N 083° 12.456W). The current elevation, if available, is also displayed, as is the time of day. There is an odometer that can be set on the screen as well, in addition to two customizable data screens. GPS status messages are also displayed. Lastly, this screen allows the user to project a waypoint from the current position by a fixed distance and bearing.

Road Screen: This screen represents the user's route as if they were traveling on a road. Waypoint and destination icons, in addition to those for the sun and moon, are displayed relative to the current position as they come into view. Above the road there is a graphical compass displaying 20° to either side of the user's current heading, in addition to four customizable data fields.

Data Screen: This screen displays six customizable data fields on the screen. In addition, there is a graphical compass displaying 50° to either side of the user's current heading.

Speedometer Screen: This screen displays a graphic of a speedometer, similar in style to what's found in a car. The scale dynamically changes based on the speed of travel, so while walking the high-end of the scale may be 6 MPH (10 KPH), while when driving down the expressway it may be 100 MPH (160 KPH). There is an odometer that can be set on the screen as well, in addition to four customizable data fields.

There are 17 different types of data that can be displayed in any of the available customizable data fields. This allows the user to mix and match data in whatever way suits their needs best. The data choices are as follows:

• Bearing
• Distance
• Speed
• Heading
• VMG (Velocity Made Good) - The component of the velocity that is towards the destination
• CTS (Course to Steer) - The direction to travel in order to return to the course
• ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
• ETE (Estimated Time Enroute) - The time remaining before reaching the destination
• XTE (Cross Track Error) - The perpendicular distance between the present position and the courseline
• Turn - Indicates to the user what direction and by how many degrees they need to turn in order to be facing the destination.
• Elevation
• Time
• Date
• EPE (Estimated Position Error)
• Avg. Speed
• Max Speed
• Total Dist

Additional Features of the Magellan SporTrak:

Over and above the navigation screens and the data that they display, the Magellan SporTrak has a comprehensive list of features and customizations that allow the user to further personalize the SporTrak's presentation to their liking. The extended features are accessible by pressing the MENU button. The menu system is labeled and categorized in a very intuitive manner - it is easy to guess what the types of functions will be available under a given group of controls. Examples of user-defined system settings include:

• When turning off the GPS, the user is given five seconds to cancel the shutdown from occurring. A further protection can be configured such that the ENTER key has to be pressed during the countdown, or else the shutdown will be cancelled. The SporTrak can also be programmed to automatically shut down if there is no change in position or if no keys have been pressed over a period of time.
• Alarms can be set to sound off based on proximity to a waypoint, the loss of satellite signals, and the arrival at a destination, amongst others (sorry, no time of day alarm).
• Users can choose the method of measurement for distance, speed, elevation, and bearing.
• There is an alarm that sounds as the battery is close to, but not at the point of, being exhausted.
• The SporTrak has two intensities of backlighting.
• Users can setup the GPS to automatically turn off the backlighting after it has been active for a period of time.
• Audible beeps and alarms can be set to either sound or stay silent for events such as keys being pressed or alarms being triggered.
• There are 42 different icons that can be used to represent a given waypoint.
• The start and end dates for daylight savings time are fully customizable.
• The GPS can display what phase the moon will be in for any given date in any given location, in addition to displaying sunrise and sunset times.

Taking a Closer Look at the Map Screen:

The SporTrak Topo differentiates itself from other GPS units based on its built-in nationwide set of topographic and street map data. Magellan refers to the Map screen as the "heart of the SportTrak." Due to the importance placed on the Map screen, I thought it was worth delving into the highlights of this screen a little further.

The Map screen has two modes, position and cursor. In position mode, a map is centered around the user's current position, with an arrow pointing in the direction of travel. The arrow advances along the screen's map as the user moves, leaving a dotted line behind to indicate the track history. At any point, the user can use the ARROW BUTTON to scroll around on the map. When the ARROW BUTTON is pressed, the pointer in the middle of the screen turns into a crosshair icon and moves in the direction of the pressed arrow key. This is called cursor mode. The scrolling is not limited to any localized area. I've scrolled from the location of my house in Southeast Michigan to Yosemite National Park in California. Any map feature that the cursor is placed over, such as a street, mountain peak, or river, will result in that feature's information being displayed at the bottom of the screen. Apparently, I live a mere 1912 miles (3078 km) from Vogelsang Peak! All I have to do now is mark a waypoint, and start walking. I should arrive just about the time that the snow has melted off the trails in the highcountry.

The level of detail displayed on the map can also be configured, so if there are too many contour lines shown on the display, for example, the user can select a less detailed mode and the screen will refresh, displaying the map with less clutter. The type of items that are displayed on the map can also be configured. Users can choose to display or hide waypoints, track lines, contour lines, the current position to destination line, the departure to destination line, and individual types of Points of Information such as campgrounds, cliffs, glaciers, harbors, rapids, summits, waterfalls, etc. Street information can also be displayed, showing the user what street they're currently on, in addition to upcoming cross-streets.

Beyond such basics, the SporTrak Topo can also show a graphical profile simulating what the topography would look like if viewed from a distance along the horizon line, or if viewed as a projected path from the current position out to the top of the screen, with the map oriented so that the direction of travel is at the top of the screen. Finally, elevation profiles of proposed routes can be graphically viewed. The profile can also be saved as an actual route, which the GPS can then navigate against.

Map orientation can also be customized. Users can choose from displaying maps with either North, the active heading, or the direction of travel depicted at the top of the screen.

Connecting the SporTrak to External Devices:

External devices such as the PC serial cable and cigarette lighter power adapter attach to the SporTrak via a connection to four metallic interface points on the back of the GPS. In order to maintain a physical connection to the points, accessories screw into a threaded hole found on the back of the SporTrak. The SporTrak comes with a PC interface cable, used to send information between the GPS and a MapSend program. Connecting this cable is a tricky process, where I have to hold the GPS in one hand, line up the metal connectors on the PC cable with the SporTrak's interface points, make sure that the screw is properly aligned with the hole it will go into, maintain the PC cable/GPS connection with my hand, and finally flip the metal D-ring up on the outside of the PC cable interface with my free hand, catching it between three fingers and using it to tighten the screw. A simple docking station/cradle would have been preferred.

Using the MapSend Software:

Out of the box, the SporTrak has basic street data for the United States. It has, for example, the major roads that make up the square mile (2.59 km^2) around my subdivision. It does not, however, have any of the streets within this area. The MapSend program allows users to define rectangular regions of the U.S. that hold additional map detail that they are interested in, and upload them to their SporTrak Topo GPS unit. Up to four regions can be uploaded at once. The SporTrak Topo GPS has 20 MB of available memory to store additional map detail. Unfortunately, the software is compatible with computers running Win95, 98, XP, or NT based operating systems. MacIntosh and Linux platforms are not supported at this time.

After a given region has been defined, it is named and saved. An entire list of regions can be defined over time, and managed using the MapSend software. Users can then scroll through their lists of regions, selected up to four to upload to their GPS. Users can opt to just include extended streets data in their uploads, or include topographic and additional "Point of Interest" details as well. Readers should note that uploads overwrite any data previously sent to the SporTrak using the MapSend software. Factory installed data, however, is unaffected. I selected the entire lower peninsula of Michigan, about 45,000 square miles (115,000 km^2), and it totalled just 12 MB. Upload time averaged about 2-minutes/MB, including PC pre-upload data processing time. For performance benchmarking purposes, my PC is an Intel Pentium 4 running at 1.9 GHz, with 512 MB of RAM. Needless to say, uploading data to the GPS puts a noticeable strain on the batteries.

The MapSend software can also be used to create waypoints and routes, and exchange waypoint, route, and track information with the SporTrak Topo GPS. This allows users to maintain their historical GPS data on their PCs, keeping memory clear on the SporTrak for future adventures. As with the uploading of regions, any waypoint or route data that is uploaded to the SporTrak will delete any route and waypoint data that currently exists in the memory of the GPS. Uploads OVERWRITE like data - regions, waypoints, and routes - they do not APPEND to the existing data set.

Waypoints, track, and routes can also be imported and exported between the MapSend program and either Microsoft Excel formatted files or ANSI text files, extending the user's options in terms of data compiling and warehousing choices. GPS logs can be loaded into the MapSend program and reviewed on the PC - all the topographic, street, and "Point of Interest" data available on the GPS is here, and more. Printouts are also supported.

From an initial usage standpoint, I found the MapSend program simple to install. On my Windows XP Home Edition system, I just selected the default options during installation. After attaching the PC cable to my GPS, the MapSend program was able to communicate with my SporTrak without any issues. In terms of a user manual for MapSend, there is a small "Quick Reference" guide, covering installation, connecting the SporTrak to the PC, defining regions, uploading regions to the GPS, and a quick summary of toolbar icons - all in eight pages the size of a CD case. Everything else is located in an online help file. I quickly found my "Download from GPS" options for Waypoint and Track data. I was also able to figure out how to upload my state's extended map data to the GPS without any difficulty. Most of the program options are easy to understand, thanks to having intuitive names such as "Measure Distance," "Upload to GPS," and "Download from GPS." I've already got the basics of the MapSend program mastered, without ever having referred to the help file. I look forward to unlocking this program's full potential during the course of the testing period.

Magellan Website Feedback:

Magellan's website for the SporTrak Topo can be divided into five distinct areas - overview, specifications, support, where to buy, and accessories.

• Overview - The overview gives a very good summary of the features inherent to the Magellan SporTrak GPS. The one exception is the "NorthFinder" technology, which allows the direction of travel even when standing still. I have yet to find this option listed in any of the built-in menus or help screens of the SporTrak, or in the user manual itself. Everything I've found states that the GPS must be in motion in order for any directional-based information to be accurate. Going beyond a list of SporTrak features, the overview page also supplies a bit of marketing. "... the Magellan SporTrak Topo comes pre-loaded with everything you need to find your way on your next backcountry adventure... with no need to download additional topography... The (SporTrak) provides the confidence of knowing where you are and where you're going without the burden... of cumbersome paper topo maps." These claims will be part of the focus of my upcoming Field and Long-Term reports.
• Specifications - The specifications listed on the Magellan GPS website for the SporTrak topo do not fully reflect the product I have in my hand. The product number is different, the statistic for battery life varies from what is printed in my user manual, and my GPS has 20 MB of available upload memory, not 16 (I'm certainly not complaining, though). These are only the discrepancies that I have noticed based on a casual review - there may be more.
• Support - The support page contains links to a FAQ section, a PDF copy of the user manual that shipped with the SporTrak, a PDF copy of the user manual supplement, and a link for firmware updates. In addition, there are links to warranty repair requests and registration for online based technical support. I only had issue with the firmware update page, because it doesn't list the actual version of the update that is available. There's no way for me to compare what's available to the software release loaded on my SporTrak and determine whether my unit is in need of being updated or not. There are also no technical details available with respect to what enhancements or fixes are being addressed by the update.
• Where to buy - I found this section very intuitive in terms of navigation, and was able to quickly find five retailers within a short distance drive of my home. Curiously, the retailers listed locations that either sold a wide variety of merchandise or who's sales staff was made up of low-paid, inexperienced school kids. The REI in my area, who also showcases Magellan products, was not listed.
• Buy Accessories - This area is a standard "shopping cart" style e-commerce system where customers can purchase accessories that are compatible with the Magellan SporTrak GPS. The information on each accessory was clear, and provided color images as well as text-based descriptions.

Test Plan:

My plan is to review the Magellan SporTrak GPS in terms of its practical use for the backpacker. As the SporTrak Topo model prides itself on being pre-loaded with "everything you need to find your way on your next backcountry adventure," I will be trying to determine just where the line is between utility and useless gadget.

Questions that I will be resolving include:

• This is a full featured GPS - is it pretty simple to master its functionality or am I continually finding myself reaching for the manual for assistance?
• As a backpacker, what features of the SporTrak do I find useful and what features get little to no use?
• How quickly does the SporTrak acquire the minimum three satellites necessary to obtain a location fix?
• How accurate and useful is the GPS in guiding me to my destination?
• Does the SporTrak deliver on its promise of three meter (10 ft) accuracy when WAAS signals are present, and seven meter (23 ft) accuracy without WAAS?
• How effective is the GPS at leading me back down the same trail I followed, using the track history stored in its memory?
• How accurately do the tracks in the SporTrak itself reflect the terrain that I actually walked?
• How accurate are the SporTrak's horizontal profiles and terrain projections?
• How accurate is the phase of the moon data that's available? What about the sunrise/sunset times that are reported?
• How accurate is the compass, in terms of bearing and heading information displayed?
• How accurate is the reporting of speed and distance covered?
• How accurate is the estimated time of arrival and estimated time enroute data?
• How helpful is the backlit display in times of low light? Are there any lighting situations where the display is difficult to read whether the backlight is used or not?
• The SporTrak can store up to 500 waypoints, 20 routes, and 2000 trackpoints. What does this translate to in terms of mileage in the field, and what types of trail conditions and GPS settings extend or limit the distance of a given hike that can be logged in the GPS's memory?
• How accurate are the maps, in terms of the road, "Point of Interest," and topographic details that are stored in the SporTrak?
• I live in a pretty flat state? What level of contour detail is available on the supplied map data for my home state and how well does it align with reality?
• Can the GPS be worn around the neck and still store an accurate track?
• How much time do I have between the first "low battery" alarm that sounds and the batteries die? Under what field conditions?
• What sort of battery life am I experiencing when running the GPS on alkaline, NiMH rechargeable, and pile lithium battery technologies? Environmental conditions such as air temperature and backlight use will also be noted.
• The SporTrak is listed as being waterproof and supposedly it floats as well. It goes without saying that the GPS should also be weatherproof. I will not be going out of my way to shield the GPS from the rain, and will be reporting on how well it performs based on my experiences.
• I will also be interested in the SporTrak's durability. While I will not be throwing it against any rocks, accidental impacts and drops may still occur. The SporTrak is constructed of a rubber armored, impact resistant plastic. What effect does its construction have on durability?
• During the test period, I will be traveling with the SporTrak outside of the continental US. What functionality do I retain when traveling outside of the area covered in the SporTrak's integrated map data?
• What challenges, if any, are presented when using the GPS while wearing winter gloves?
• When uploading tracks back to the MapSend product, how accurately is the terrain that I actually walked reflected on the PC?

Personal Biographical Information:

Reviewer: Andrew Mytys Email: amytys (at) backpacker (dot) com Homepage: Andy's Lightweight Backpacking Site Location: Michigan Age: 33

     Backpacking Background:

I live in Michigan and have been hiking seriously for 15 years, although I've camped since I was 6 years old. I consider myself a lightweight hiker. I carry the lightest gear I can get my hands on which will provide a comfortable wilderness experience and adequately support the goals of my trip. Unless my goals are time/distance oriented, my pace is always slow. I rarely exceed 1.5 miles (2.4 km)/hour. I rest frequently, hike long days, and enjoy whatever nature throws my way.

Reviews > Navigation and Map Gear > GPS > Magellan SporTrak Topo 2003 > Andy Mytys > Initial Report